NCW Libraries

Sixteen-year-old Willowdean wants to prove to everyone in her small Texas town that she is more than just a fat girl, so, while grappling with her feelings for a co-worker who is clearly attracted to her, Will and some other misfits prepare to compete in the beauty pageant her mother runs.

The concept of a full bucket is an effective metaphor for a child's healthy self-concept and happiness, most often the result of the encouraging words and actions of parents and others who help a child know they are loved, valued, and capable.

"When a little bird bumps his head one day, he loses his memory. He can't even remember what kind of bird he is! Determined to find out, he sets off on a great journey. Along the way, he meets many new birds--including some scary crows, an inquisitive owl, and two helpful chickens--but none who are quite like him. Where is his bird of a feather?"--Provided by publisher.

The multi-awarding-winning singer, artist, actress, and icon presents this entertaining and empowering story in which young Mary, told there are many things she cannot do, isn't about to let anyone tell her she cannot sing.

"I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you" --

Spoon's always been a happy little utensil. But lately, he feels like life as a spoon just isn't cutting it. He thinks Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him. But do they? And what do they think about Spoon?

"Geraldine is an energetic, spirited second-grader with a passion for inventing. When the class bully picks on Geraldine and her friends one too many times, Geraldine devises a plan to teach him a lesson. Sorting through her parents' old gadgets and gizmos, she finds exactly what she needs to create the perfect anti-bullying shield. She and her friends work together to create something that shows the bully exactly what he looks and sounds like when...

"Toby is afraid of heights, but when his cat gets stuck in a tree, Toby must face his fears in order to rescue him"--

"It's so hot outside. All the fancy birds are gathered around the water, wishing they could cool off. But they don't want to get wet and ruin their fine feathers. Oddbird isn't worried about his feathers; he wants to go for a refreshing dip. But he doesn't fit in. He's not fancy, or colorful. He's just--different. The other birds don't want him around. How can he join them?"--Provided by publisher.

Rot, a mutant potato, enters a "Cutest in the World" contest but worries when he sees his competition.